I'm in the middle of installing my '94-'95 MAC headers. The headers are bolted up, and waiting for the Y-pipe to be bolted on.

There is no need to remove all the spark plugs. Actually, there are only 3 that need to be removed. The rear passenger plug and the 2 rear driver side plugs. That's it. Both headers install from the bottom. Both manifolds came out the bottom.

They bolted up well. I just hope the Y-pipe aligns well to the headers collectors.

The dipstick tube is a MAJOR PITA!!! I was ready to throw it out of the garage by the time I finally got it out.

I needed to purchase the AIR adaptor fittings. The '97 fittings do not fit in the '94-'95 style headers.

My hands look like I've been in a good bar fight.

All the bolts and plugs came out with no problem. It just took some time to figure out how to access them the best.

I'm lucky and have full time access to a lift. My father-in-law has one in his garage. Very convenient.

The bolts that came with the headers are awesome. I could easily torque all of them down with either a deep socket or closed end wrench!

The copper gaskets are nice too. I just hope that they don't leak.

The bolt holes all lined up perfectly.

I did not have to remove the oil filter.

Just my thoughts so far. I'm hoping I don't have any exhaust leaks.

I have about 10 hours into it so far. That includes removing the ENTIRE exhaust system too. I'm guessing I have another 4 hours to go.

I'm replacing it with the '94-'95 style Hooker cat-back and a single Carsound high-flow cat. I found out that you can order the 3" male and female ends with flanges for the cat from MAC. They were about $40 shipped. The high flow cat was $45. So $85 for a bolt in high flow cat is pretty good I think.

The headers really open up the engine bay and the plug access is sweet! I can actually see the plugs.

Dan

 

how will you be connecting the catalytic converter to the catback exhaust?
I have the flange to connect the cat to the y-pipe but I'm not sure what to do on the other side.

 

That's exactly why I had to order the male and female 3" pipe from MAC. It came with about a 6" long piece of 3" pipe with the male ball end, and a 6" long piece of 3" pipe with the female flared end. It also came with 2 two bolt flanges.

Call MAC. They will hook you up with the parts you need. Now all I have to do is weld them to the ends of the CAT with the correct overall length that I need.

The MAC item number was TF30 if that helps.

Here's a picture of what you get for about $40 shipped.
MAC 3" Tubing with male and female ends

Dan

 

Below the #2 cylinder theres a pipe (see this pic) was it blocking the headers from going in? I also have a set of MAC headers I'm trying to install but can't get the old ones out due to that tube.

 

That's the tube from your AIR system(that looks to have been turned off I believe)

If your AIR system is deleted, you can cut that pipe to get the headers out. It looks like it has already been bent anyways.

Dan

 

AIR as in air pump right? I believe it has been taken out, i know the AIR fittings on the headers are blocked right now and have been since I bought the car.

 

Yes, AIR as in the system that uses the air pump.

Yours are blocked off for sure from looking at your pictures. If you are just going to keep it that way, there is no need for that tube.

Dan

 

thats cool your having such an easy time, its really not that hard and having a lift makes things even easier. Me and my buddy did the headers, air! egr! Maf screen! throttle body bypass and 16 degree therm in about 10 hours. I we did everything just about the same you did. I just got the mac ypipe and an offroad ypipe and got rid of the cat. I know what you mean about that stupid dipstick, we bent that thing so many ways im surpised it didnt break off it was a pain. Good luck witht he rest you'll def. be happy with the results i sure was, espically with the money I saved. mac midlengths seem to have been proven a great by over and over again it seems on here.

 

Good luck with the rest of the install, and keep us updated. I am most interested in the GAINS

-Dustin-

 

Thanks guys. I'm hoping to have it all buttoned up tomorrow, but we'll see.

Dan

 

I'm going to be installing my MACs saturday I cant find that part on MAC's website. Did you order it online?

I just gave them a call, and they said theyd call me back. Hopefully theyll be able to hook me up.

 

I called them directly and they got me what I needed. It was not on their website.

Just tell them that you need two sections of 3" pipe. One with a ball end and one with the flare end. Also get the two 2 bolt flanges.

Dan

 

I'm gonna be installing my AS&M mids in 2 weeks. Except i'm doing a single cat conversion. Am i going to have to get new AIR fittings also since i have a 96 car and these are 94-95 style headers. Or is that just the macs? If so where did you get the fittings and do you have a part #. Thanks.

 

I believe you will need the new AIR fittings also.(my install is the single CAT conversion also)

I got my fittings from Jet-Hot. They were about $20.

Tell Jet-Hot your situation and they will ship you the fittings. It's a male to male connector. One for each side.

I don't have the part number with me right now.

Dan

 

You don't have to remove all the plugs, but why wouldn't you? Most people who install these headers do the OVC wires at the same time, so you might as well do a full tune up, right? When better to hit all the plugs when there's nothing in the way? Hey....to each his own.